Voice of the Diabetic

Voice of the Diabetic

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MY KIDNEY TRANSPLANT

by Karen Mayry

From The Editor: Karen Mayry is a long-term diabetic who knows the

importance of good diabetes control. Karen was the original president of our

Diabetes Action Network at its inception in 1985. She also serves as president

of the National Federation of the Blind of South Dakota..

Karen discusses her kidney transplant, an important issue

for anyone with diabetes. People experiencing renal failure should realize at

some point they may have to choose between dialysis and transplantation. Kidney

transplant recipients enjoy a high rate of success (organ survival) and their

quality of life is vastly better than on dialysis.

Here's what Karen says:

In 1968, Marshall and I had been married for three years. During a routine visit

to my doctor, Marshall was told that my kidneys were failing and that my life

expectancy would be shortened dramatically. According to medical knowledge at

the time, he was correct in relating that persons with diabetes were not able

to have kidney transplants. Luckily, I did not require a transplant until 1977,

when my brother, David, donated a kidney to me. Dr. John Najarian, MD, Chief

or Surgery at the University of Minnesota Hospital, performed the surgery.

Twenty-five years later I am healthy, busy and fully involved

in life's activities. I have had the opportunity to be married to my biggest

supporter and wonderful man, join the thousands of volunteers in the National

Federation of the Blind, travel, and benefit from the love of my family and

friends.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat!

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